Forum:
Second or Third Breast Cancer — For those confronting a new primary diagnosis or undergoing treatment.

I had my yearly mammagram this week which showed something in the same breast as I had cancer in 7 years ago. Immediately after I had an ultrasound. Unfortunately I now need a biopsy. I have to wait till the 31st for my breast surgeon which is very frustrating.

I think it is terrible that the BS is making you wait so long. When I had my scare they worked really hard to get me biopsied ASAP within the week got the news Friday night from oncologist that it was fat necrosis and I had a nice glass of wine fell asleep watching a movie.

I'm so sorry. I don't blame you for wanting a bilateral mastectomy at this point. Take a deep breath and let us know what your next steps are as they appear. You can do this again. Hugs and strength to you.

I'm so sorry about your recurrence. I just don't get it. Seven years on anti hormone therapy, small non aggressive tumor, but still recurrence. They have to come up with a way to see if anti hormone therapy is working other than waiting for a recurrence! Just proves there are no guarantees when dealing with this disease. We are all here for you. You can do this. Best of luck...

My biggest decision is to have a double mastectomy, single or possibly a lumpectomy again. I am leaning towards the double mastectomy with no reconstruction. With lobular cancer I'm very aware of its dangers. Having done lumpectomy with internal radiation last time I was so surprised when my breast surgeon at least opened the idea of it.

Kira, I'm so sorry to hear of your recurrence. I am wondering how you're feeling physically; I imagine you must feel bad from shock and frustration. Why wouldn't the doctor want to do other tests? Were you pre or post menopausal when you started BC treatment? Best to you as you navigate through. Holding you in the light

Kira, I'm so sorry that you are going through this again. I had a new primary in 2015 in my other breast after five years from the first bc. I wanted a double mx the first time and was refused.

I now have had both breasts removed, and no reconstruction. Interestingly for me, the first bc was one area of ILC and a bigger IDC. The IDC was triple positive, and five years later the new primary in the other breast was triple negative.

Thank you Trish. I'm also very concerned about my "healthy breast ". I've asked for additional testing over the last 2 years. I'm very comfortable with the double mastectomy. My mind has been possessing it in a way I can handle through dreams as odd as that sounds.

HI there, I'd talk with your Onco consult about checking w a bone scan and a chest , abdomen and pelvis CT. Given a recurrence, its reasonable they should check with scans. Hoping your surgery is easy and you have benign lymph nodes. good luck

I can't believe how tired I am tonight. I know it's the stress. I'm still teaching daily with 1st graders and acting just like my normal self but just so tired by the time they leave. On top of that I'm worried about leaving them.

Met with the oncologist and the breast surgeon yesterday. I'll be having surgery last week of April or first week of May. My oncologist is hoping I won't need chemo or radiation. Will know more after the surgery.